8 Best Nevada Towns For A Winter Getaway
When winter arrives in Nevada, the state transforms into a landscape of quiet contrast. Away from Las Vegas, small mountain and desert communities reveal frosted peaks, rustic streets, and serene open spaces. Towns like Incline Village, Ely, and Tonopah are among the state’s top getaways.
Incline Village features Lake Tahoe’s shimmering shores, ski runs, and festive events like SnowFest. Ely’s historic streets and the Nevada Northern Railway come alive with holiday rides and festivals, while Tonopah offers starlit skies, mountains, and hot springs for a cozy, adventurous escape. These towns, along with the others on this list, truly showcase Nevada’s winter magic.
Incline Village
Located on Lake Tahoe’s north shore, Incline Village is one of Nevada’s top seasonal destinations. The region offers abundant skiing and snowboarding, with Diamond Peak Ski Resort providing wide runs and sweeping lake views, while Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, just over the hill toward Reno, features steeper slopes. For a slower pace, nearby snowshoeing trails showcase Tahoe’s quieter side. Tahoe Meadows offers open areas for gentle walks, and Chickadee Ridge winds through pine forests to a scenic lake overlook.
The area also embraces a festive spirit with North Lake Tahoe SnowFest, a 10-day family-friendly festival kicking off in late February. Incline Village serves as one of the host locations, featuring parades, live music, a polar bear swim, and the region’s only fireworks show.
Elko
In northeastern Nevada, Elko reflects the rugged character of the high desert, with the Ruby Mountains rising above the valley. Often called the “Swiss Alps of Nevada,” the range features aspens, creeks, and glacier-carved canyons. Lamoille Canyon is known for frozen waterfalls and scenic trails for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and backcountry skiing. North of town, Wild Horse Reservoir offers ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and winter camping.
In December, Elko comes alive with holiday celebrations. The Festival of Trees showcases decorated trees, wreaths, and displays from local groups and businesses. Nearby Spring Creek hosts Christmas at the Marina, featuring illuminated trees, warm drinks, and walkable paths along the shoreline. At Great Basin College, the festive spirit continues with "A Christmas Story: The Musical," offering family-friendly entertainment throughout the season.
Ely
Located in the heart of the Great Basin amid the Egan Mountains, Ely blends modern conveniences with historic charm, anchored by landmarks such as the Nevada Northern Railway. The surrounding landscape shifts from snow-capped peaks like Mt. Hamilton and Wheeler Peak to plains, forests, and wildlife-filled valleys, offering outdoor activities from hunting to winter recreation. Scenic drives reveal remnants of the past, including the ghost towns of Belmont Hill, Cherry Creek, and Hamilton, highlighting the region’s rich mining heritage.
In winter, Ely transforms into a snowy wonderland. The Nevada Northern Railway offers seasonal rides like the Santa’s Reindeer Flyer, where passengers can meet Santa while sipping hot chocolate and enjoying cookies as the sparkling landscape drifts by. The town also hosts the Fire & Ice Winter Festival, featuring snow sculpting, daytime gatherings, evening fireworks from a moving steam train, and the burning of wooden art sculptures.
Genoa
Nestled against the Carson Range in western Nevada, Genoa, the state’s oldest town, takes on a serene winter charm. Just over Kingsbury Grade from South Lake Tahoe and about an hour south of Reno, the town rests where alpine forests meet the open Carson Valley, with Genoa Peak rising in the distance above rustic storefronts and snow-dusted rooftops. At the heart of town, the Genoa Bar & Saloon, the state’s oldest, welcomes guests with a warm drink and a glimpse into the area’s frontier past.
Beyond the streets, the Genoa Trail System winds through foothills connecting to the Tahoe Rim Trail, while River Fork Ranch Preserve offers quiet wetlands that attract wildlife even in colder months. After a day outdoors, David Walley’s Resort provides a perfect retreat, with steaming mineral pools framed by snow-covered mountains. In December, the town’s charm shines with holiday festivities, starting with the annual Christmas in Genoa tree-lighting event and continuing with the Genoa Country Christmas Concert.
Boulder City
Just a short drive from Las Vegas, Boulder City offers a refreshing winter retreat with mild temperatures, clear skies, and a strong sense of community. Built in the 1930s to house workers constructing the Hoover Dam, the town still reflects that spirit of purpose and craftsmanship. Trails at Bootleg Canyon draw hikers and mountain bikers year-round, while Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam provide awe-inspiring views. The Hoover Dam Lodge offers a comfortable base, and during the holidays, many homes and businesses glow with festive decorations.
The town’s seasonal charm comes alive with family-friendly events. Guests can board the North Pole Express at the Nevada State Railroad Museum for a cozy train ride filled with holiday music, festive activities, and hot cocoa with cookies. Boulder City also celebrates the season with its annual Christmas tree lighting, the Santa’s Electric Night Parade, and a New Year’s Eve Street Party in historic downtown.
Pahrump
Pahrump, west of Las Vegas, offers a mild winter climate and striking desert landscapes that feel almost otherworldly when dusted with snow. Trails wind through the area, revealing rabbit tracks in the fresh powder, while snow-capped mountains rise in the distance, framed by Joshua trees and yucca cacti. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area for hiking, wildlife spotting, or higher-elevation snow, and Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge provides a quiet escape with unique desert flora and resident wildlife. The town also serves as a convenient base for trips into Death Valley National Park.
The season brings a playful holiday spirit to Pahrump. Coffinwood, for example, transforms into a “horrorday” spectacle, with skeletons donning Santa hats and performing synchronized moves to rock music in a lights-and-music display. Skeleton rockers ride a horse-drawn tour hearse, Mr. and Mrs. Claus look on from above, and even Krampus makes an appearance.
Virginia City
High in the mountains south of Reno, Virginia City comes alive in the colder months with a blend of historic charm and holiday spirit. Once a bustling mining hub during the Comstock Lode boom, its wooden boardwalks and 19th-century saloons recall the town’s storied past. When snow blankets rooftops and lampposts, the town transforms into a storybook Western.
A winter visit begins with a ride on the festively decorated V&T Candy Cane Express through the enchanting Candy Cane Tunnel. The celebrations continue with the V&T Railroad Train Holiday O’Lights, an evening ride illuminated by thousands of twinkling bulbs. At Piper’s Opera House, “Miracle on C Street” offers family-friendly entertainment, while the Christmas on the Comstock festival fills the streets with carolers, horse-drawn wagons, and glowing decorations, capturing the warmth and magic of the season.
Tonopah
Midway between Reno and Las Vegas, Tonopah is one of Nevada’s premier winter destinations, a historic mining town that exudes quiet, rugged charm. Snow-capped mountains rise around the town, creating dramatic backdrops for photography and peaceful exploration. At the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, preserved mine structures and early 20th-century machinery bring the town’s history to life, while festive holiday decorations add seasonal warmth.
Tonopah is also famous for its dark night skies, among the clearest in the U.S., where stars sparkle brilliantly overhead. Just outside town, Alkali Hot Springs offers a soothing retreat, with steaming mineral waters contrasting the crisp mountain air. Lodging at the Tonopah Station Hotel or the Belvada Hotel provides comfortable stays with local character, while Tonopah Brewing Co. serves seasonal brews and local favorites, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.
Exploring Nevada's Best Winter Destinations
Beyond its deserts and glittering cities, Nevada reveals a quieter, more soulful side in winter. Communities like Incline Village, Ely, Tonopah, and Genoa blend history, charm, and outdoor splendor. Snow-capped peaks, starlit skies, and historic streets set the scene for cozy lodges, warm drinks, and peaceful strolls. These towns encourage slowing down, taking in the surroundings, and enjoying moments of connection, reflection, and calm. Together, they highlight Nevada’s winter offerings, combining natural landscapes, local character, and holiday traditions for a memorable, restorative experience that feels both timeless and uniquely Nevadan.
